Sports
Egypt Looks To Seal Quarter Final Berth
Egypt will look to confirm a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals when they face already-qualified Ghana today.
The Group D clash will take place at the Stade de Port-Gentil, with kick-off set for 9.00pm.
The Pharaohs have claimed four points in the pool thus far and stand on the verge of joining Ghana in the last eight: Hector Cuper’s side need only a draw to ensure they cannot be overhauled by Mali, who face eliminated Uganda in a concurrent match in Oyem.
A win will be even better for the North Africans, allowing them to leapfrog into top spot and ensure they remain in Port-Gentil and face the runners-up of Group C.
“Winning and qualifying to the next round are more important than the performance,” veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary told Tidesports source after Egypt’s 1-0 win over Uganda on Saturday.
“I want to thank all the players for their performance in today’s match despite the poor state of the pitch,” the 44-year-old said.
“We’ve an important game against Ghana in three days and we hope to secure qualification to the next round.”
Ghana may already be through to the last eight, but they would not take it easy against Egypt: having recently lost to the Pharaohs in a 2018 World Cup qualifier, the chance to put them out of the tournament is one they will be itching to capitalise on.
Coach Avram Grant, meanwhile, has confirmed that he will leave his post when the 2017 AFCON is complete. After taking Ghana to a runners-up finish in 2015, the Israeli will hope to end his tenure by going one step further this time around.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.